Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Tuesday Teaser

 


~Except from Edge of Darkness, #1 in the Dragons of San DeLain (We're skipping on to chapter 2 now)



Chapter Two - Connie 


THE TWO  days following the attack on Austin, Kage notified all the leaders of San DeLain of Nox’s death. He also told them what Nox had done to Austin.

He and Hudson had visited Kage and Austin, of course. Kage’s protectiveness was in overdrive like he warned, and the tension around his mouth and eyes were hard to miss.

Connie felt for him. It was obvious Kage was struggling, even though he tried to hide it. Having his mate hurt was bad enough, but Connie couldn’t imagine growing up thinking he was an only child only to find out he had a sibling who was damned and determined to destroy him. And had targeted Kage’s mate to maximize the damage.

They didn’t stay long since they didn’t want to impede Austin’s recovery. The sun was setting as they drove away.

“Are you hungry?” Hudson asked as they left the Dominion.

“I could eat.” Connie was a dragon. There was never a time when he didn’t want to eat. “What do you have in mind?”

Hudson stopped at a red light and tapped his fingers on the steering well. “Hmmm. Club Nomadic is open.”

“Feeling energetic, are we?” Connie gently poked Hudson in the ribs. “Sure you’re up to it, old man?”

The light turned green, and Hudson accelerated. “I’ll dance your ass into the ground, then later through the mattress.”

“Oooooh, a challenge. I like it. Yes, let’s go play with the vampires—see what they have going on tonight.”

Club Nomadic was a well-known queer club that was very popular with the hip, trendy set. The building was located downtown, right in the middle of San DeLain’s nightlife and was owned by a vampire, Raven St. Clair, who was the Master of the City.

Hudson availed himself of the valet parking and followed Connie to the entrance. There was a line snaking around the building, but fortunately someone must have given the bouncer a heads up, because he and Hudson were immediately escorted inside.

The outside of the place looked like any other modern building, but inside was another story. Club Nomadic was an intriguing conglomeration of Goth Victorian and steampunk, with vampire-like elements thrown in for good measure.

There was exposed brick, concrete floors tinted black, open stairwells heading up to the second and third floors, awnings throughout, and private nooks enclosed with long, velvety drapery.

Heavy, ornate black leather furniture was scattered throughout for people to sit and visit. Tables had low lighting to eat by. Black, ornate chandeliers hung throughout the building. Décor pieces were made from vintage leather, driftwood, old lanterns, and wrought iron.  

A rolling fog creeped along pathways and onto the dance floor. The massive bar filled the entire back wall, and a had a huge mirror behind it. The vibe was creepy but sexy.

Dress ran the gamut from Goth Victorian, to steampunk, to regular clothes, which he and Hudson wore. But clothing wasn’t what made Club Nomadic interesting—it was the vampire element.

Everywhere Connie looked there were humans wearing fake vampire teeth and red contacts. Some wore makeup to make themselves even more pale than what they naturally were.

Well, the humans had it partially right. Vampires did have fangs and pupils that turned red, but their forehead and brow area thickened when they took their true form.

There was a television show from the late 90s that accurately depicted vampires. Raven had not been happy, but the show had been so popular there wasn’t much he could do about it.

That was not the only television series that correctly portrayed certain paranormals. The gargles also got in trouble with a TV show, but it was a cartoon that time.

But what was really surprising were the vampires who showed their true nature. Of course the humans didn’t know they were among predators.

That was half the fun.



Thursday, May 25, 2023

Thursday Book Recommendation


These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary.  


This week is:  Between the Devil and the Sea: A Dark MM Sci-Fi Enemies to Lovers Romance by Chani Lynn Feener




Blurb: 

What happens when a devil claims a demon?

Detective Shadow Yor hates his life.

He spends all of his time, day after day, struggling against the demons in his head that tell him he’s a worthless, unlovable person. This doesn’t change when he’s sent on a new assignment with his partner to solve a series of murders. He’s good at his job and will find whoever did it, there’s no doubt there. The only question is whether or not he’ll be able to keep himself together, or if his empathic abilities will finally be the death of him.

Apollo Orobas is bored.

He’s bored of his secret nighttime proclivities and bored of playing the part of charming neighborhood do-gooder. Apollo isn’t good, never has been, but just when he’s starting to think life holds no interest, Shadow Yor stumbles into his sights. It doesn’t take long for him to figure out the detective is also hiding his true self, and suddenly coaxing Shade’s monster out into the light is all Apollo can think of. As obsession sinks its claws in, he decides it’s time for a new game, one Shade is going to play with him. Whether he likes it or not.

Kidnapped and forced to endure whatever twisted plans Apollo has in store, Shade struggles to hold onto his idea of right and wrong, but the more he tries to resist, the more those lines start to blur. What chance does a mere demon have against an actual devil? Especially one who soothes those twisted voices in his head and makes him feel for the first time ever that maybe he isn’t as unlovable as he’s always believed.

Trigger Warning: This is a stand-alone dark romance which means there are many themes that some might find disturbing. Some of these include, but are not limited to, dub-con, violence, a seriously obsessed male lead, a male lead who deals with low self-esteem, and explicit sexual content not suitable for all readers. Please be sure to read the Author's Note for a complete list of warnings! HEA guarantee!


(Note from me: I highly rec this if you like dark MM. This is a new to me author and I am a fan now lol. Also? OMG that cover!!!)


Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BX8N9YPW


Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Tuesday Teaser - Slightly NSFW

 


~excerpt from Edge of Darkness, book #1 in the Dragons of San DeLain


Yes, dragons were possessive creatures. Sue him.

Connie’s hands tightened on Hudson’s hips, his fingers flexing. Sharp pricks of pain made Hudson smile against the firm skin he was sucking. Connie might have just ruined another pair of Hudson’s pants with his sharp claws, but he was fine with that. He loved the loss of control he caused in Connie. 

Releasing the tender skin, he licked it for good measure. Was there anything sexier than a strong dragon baring his throat? Fuck if he knew. He withdrew his hand from Connie’s hair and lifted him up. Connie wrapped his legs around Hudson’s waist and peppered Hudson’s face with little biting kisses. 

Striding across his office, he dropped Connie on the boardroom table. He wanted to be buried balls deep in Connie as fast as possible. 

“Hurry up,” Connie called from where he was sprawled on the table. “Or I’ll start without you.”

He could fucking hear the teasing note in Connie’s voice. The damn sassy dragon probably would too. Yanking the lube out of the drawer, he rushed back. 

He dropped it next to him and shoved Connie back onto the table. His hands went to the zipper of Connie’s dress pants and pulled it down. “Gonna make you scream.”

Was that a slight growl in his voice? Why yes, yes it was. 

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” 

“Well now….” Connie arched his back so he could shove his pants and underwear over his hips. “Better get on with it, then.”

Hudson’s fangs dropped at the teasing challenge, and he bared them at Connie. All he got was a raised eyebrow. Connie truly wasn’t scared of the big, bad dragon king. 

He worked off Connie’s shoes, tossing one then the over his shoulder. They landed with a thump somewhere behind him. Finding them would be a problem from later. 



Monday, May 22, 2023

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday

It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all. 




Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday (On a Wednesday lol)

 Sorry! I'm a bit off this week lol. 

It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all. Or, in this case, make the week go faster lol.




Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Tuesday Teaser


~excerpt from Edge of Darkness, book #1 in the Dragons of San DeLain


What an interesting mess his life had become lately. 

He was falling in love with Connie but hadn’t told him yet. The fact that they were not soul bound hung over their head like the sword of Damocles. 

Hudson hated this, hated it with every fiber of his being. They should be soul bound. No two dragons could be more perfect together. How could their dragon god, Gaura, not see this?

Connie disconnected the call and leaned back in Hudson’s chair. “The perimeter is secure.”

“Silent alarms would’ve been going off if we’d been breached. You know that, sweetheart.”

“Yes, well, an attack was the only thing I could think of that would’ve cause such a reaction in you.” Standing, Connie walked over to the window where Hudson stood. 

Hudson huffed. Connie didn’t have any idea how wrong he was.

Connie tugged on Hudson’s arm until Hudson faced him. “You seem calmer now. Any idea what triggered you?”

How in the world was he supposed to reply to that? Instead, he slipped his hand behind Connie’s head. Grasping Connie by the hair, he pulled him closer. 

He wasn’t surprised to see Connie’s pupils elongate into slits. Connie’s true nature always seemed closer to the surface whenever Hudson touched him. 

His lips whispered across Connie’s, the kiss slow and sensual. Hudson’s eyes fluttered closed when Connie slipped his arms around his waist and relaxed into Hudson. This. This right here. This was where Connie belong. 

He trailed kisses across Connie's face then tightened his fingers and yanked Connie’s head back. A sibilant hiss escaped Connie’s lips, and Hudson shivered in response, loving the sound of Connie’s pleasure. 

Hudson worked his way down his lover’s pale throat, nipping at the skin. The slight hint of salt lingered on his tongue as he licked Connie’s pulse point. 

Closing his lips over it, he sucked gently. Whatever marks he left would not last long, unfortunately. But for however short a time they were there, Hudson would take joy in the signs of ownership.

Yes, dragons were possessive creatures. Sue him.


Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Tuesday Teaser

 


~ Except from Edge of Darkness, #1 in the Dragons of San DeLain


Connie was also the only dragon Hudson would ever bend a knee to. He’d burn the world for this male—he didn’t need anyone else. 

Screw Fate.

His mouth watering, he started to drop to his knees in front of Connie when the hair on his neck stood up. Every instinct he had suddenly screamed to life, and his heart pounded in his chest. Goosebumps rose on his arms, and a shudder racked him. His entire body vibrated.

“What?” 

The lazy, sexy look on Connie’s face disappeared and suddenly he was the very efficient and deadly right hand of Hudson Redmond, king of the Fire Court of San DeLain.

Connie was off the couch and standing in front of Hudson in the blink of an eye. “What just happened? You tensed up like you’re on high alert. What’s wrong?”

“I’m not entirely sure.” Uneasy, Hudson stared at Connie. “I was thinking sexy thoughts about you and then suddenly every instinct I had flared to life.”

“Okay.” Connie hurried around Hudson’s desk. Sitting in the huge leather chair, Connie tapped furiously on the computer.

Hudson wandered over and stood behind Connie. “What are you doing?”

“Calling up the cameras to see if our perimeter has been breached.” As he scanned the cameras, Connie pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and unlocked it. “I’m also calling our head of security. If we’ve been breached, Torres should damn well know.”

Just like werewolves, dragons were deeply connected to the land they claimed. While Connie was smart in thinking Hudson’s reaction was based on their territory being invaded, Hudson didn’t think that was what this was.

He had been thinking sexy thoughts about Connie, but that hadn’t been all he was doing. Not by a long shot. He had been thinking things he shouldn’t have had. 

Hudson stayed silent as Connie talked to Torres. He doubted there had been a breach in their security, but it was better to be safe than sorry. 

He wondered away from where Connie sat at his desk to one of the floor-to-ceiling windows in his office and stared outside. The openness of lovely blue skies greeted him, but they didn’t sooth his soul as usual. 

What an interesting mess his life had become lately. 


Monday, May 8, 2023

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday

 It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all.




Friday, May 5, 2023

Thursday Book Recommendation (on a Friday lol)

These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary. 


This week is:  Ghost (The DiFiore Mafia Family Book 1) by Joel Abernathy



Blurb: 

He's known by many names, but he expects me to call him Master.

As the future DiFiore don, I should know more than anyone that we're not the good guys, but when I catch an even more depraved man about to prey on an innocent woman, I lose sight of that just long enough to make the biggest mistake of my life.

The guy whose life I snuffed out happens to have been the district attorney's son.

I'm suspect number one, and I'm guilty as sin. It stands to reason the only one who can save me is the devil himself.

His code name is Echo, but they call him the Ghost, and he's the most notorious fixer in the business. The morally apathetic psychopath who's willing to cover up any crime, no matter how heinous, as long as you're willing to pay the price. Money is one thing, but one look in those gunmetal eyes and I'm pretty sure this guy wants more than that. He wants me, and I'm way too inclined to give it to him--body, mind, and soul.

I'm no stranger to the dark side, but he lives in places even the shadows are too afraid to touch. We're as wrong as two people can be for each other, but when he touches me, I feel it--the embers of the darkness he's awakened within me stirring. Calling.

What happens when the man who is contracted to fix everything is the man who's destined to break me?


Author's Note: This is an intense, high-heat, high-angst standalone MM Mafia Romance brimming with violence and mayhem. Lorenzo and Echo are corrupt men, and their love story is not for the faint of heart--nor is the series itself, which gets progressively darker. This series revolves around a fictional crime family, and for the sake of storytelling, there are fictionalized aspects of their world. If you are looking for a completely realistic book about real-world mafia organizations, you should skip this one. If you're looking for a filthy hot, angst-filled enemies-to-lovers romance between two antihero criminals, this is the book for you.


Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09T99SHWJ


Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Tuesday Teaser

 


Tuesday Teaser - Edge of Darkness, the Dragons of San DeLain, #1

~This is the series following the Daemons of San DeLain. There are spoilers for the other series~


“If I remember correctly, Connie, it was you who started it last time.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Connie sniffed as he straddled Hudson’s lap.

“Uh-huh.”

The first time they made love had indeed happened in Hudson’s office. It had been rough and motivated by fear, though. After a business trip to New York with Kage, Hudson was attacked coming back from the San DeLain International Airport by hunters.

Conrad, and Hudson’s driver, Wilson, had picked Hudson up. Hunters ran them off the road on their way home. They hit a ditch, flipped several times, and landed upside down. Wilson was murdered and Hudson had been clipped by a bullet before Conrad cooked the shooter.

Once the scene had been cleared, they’d returned to Hudson’s compound, and Conrad had freaked out over Hudson being shot. So much so, he partially shifted out of fear.

Only it hadn’t been just fear. That was the day they stopped dancing around one another and ended up making love on top of Hudson’s desk. The problem was, as much as he adored Conrad, or Connie as he called him more often than not, they were not soul bound.

A soul bond was much like the werewolves with their Fated mates. And Conrad was not his soul bound mate. He was not Conrad’s, either. The knowledge had been devastating.

But after the attempt on his life, they decided it wasn’t going to stop them from being together. Problem was, somewhere out there was a person who was his bounded mate. Same for Connie.

He had no idea what they’d do if either of them found that elusive being. They were both desperately ignoring that possibility for now. Hudson had cursed their god long and hard over that one.

“Now that we’ve established you don’t know what you’re talking about, when should we go see Austin?” Connie ran his thumb over Hudson’s bottom lip.

“After.”

Connie raised an eyebrow. “After?”

“Yes, after.”

Standing, Hudson carried Connie to the couch in his office and dropped him on it. For a moment he stood, staring at the man sexy man sprawled before him with a smirk on his lips. How had Hudson gotten so lucky? Connie was everything he wanted.

Connie trailed his hand down his crisp white dress shirt. Hudson’s gaze followed it until it came to rest on the bulge in Connie’s dress pants. He wanted a taste.

“See something you like, my king?” Connie taunted.

It always drove him wild when Connie used his title in that tone. Made him want to pound his chest and roar his ownership of this dragon to the skies.

He also wanted to worship Connie like he deserved—cover him in jewels. Gold. Fine silks. Then lock him away in his hoard. Connie would probably delete his calendar for that, though. His lover might be a bit young, but he was no helpless maiden to coddle.

Connie was also the only dragon Hudson would ever bend a knee to. He’d burn the world for this male—he didn’t need anyone else. 

Screw Fate.




Monday, May 1, 2023

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday

It’s not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I thought I’d try to start the week off right for y’all.